Carleton College cancels winter sports due to COVID-19

Carleton College in Northfield has made the decision to cancel its winter sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s the first school in its conference to do so.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS talked with the college’s athletic director who said school officials saw the current COVID-19 trends heading in the wrong direction.

"As an institution, as a college itself, we have to take a look at what’s in the best interest of all of our students as far as health and safety," Athletic Director Gerald Young said.

The college is considering virtual sports. Swimmers, divers and track and field athletes would compete on their own campuses and then submit their times and scores.

In the meantime, students who are also winter athletes are still practicing.